Srijit Mukherji backs protesters as 'Padatik' releases amid Kolkata unrest

As Kolkata continues to reel from the shocking incident at RG Kar Medical College, which has led to widespread protests, Srijit Mukherji's much-anticipated film "Padatik" is set to release today, despite the significant unrest.

The brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor have ignited outrage across West Bengal, and women from across the state marched in a "Reclaim the Night" protest yesterday (Augus5 14), just before India's Independence Day. At the same time, doctors nationwide have halted work, demanding stronger laws for their protection.

"Padatik", along with several other Bengali and Hindi films, is to hit the screens today, marking Independence Day celebrations. However, the tension gripping the state has cast a shadow over these releases. Director Srijit Mukherji, while promoting this much-anticipated biopic on Mrinal Sen, expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs in Bengal.